The L.A. Times music blog

Obama covers Al Green -- for one line of 'Let's Stay Together'

January 20, 2012 | 12:55
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On Thursday night while the Republican hopefuls were duking it out in South Carolina, President Obama let loose a line from Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" during a fundraiser at the Apollo Theater in New York City. "I-I-I-I'm so in love with you," he crooned in falsetto, much to the audience's delight.

Quick critical appraisal: Two and a half stars out of four. Barry, you were a little timid but perfectly in tune. Not bad -- but maybe don't quit your day job (if you get a choice)!

The president sang the song while the legend himself, the Rev. Al Green, was in the crowd. "Don't worry, Rev. I cannot sing like you," he joked. "I just wanted to show my appreciation." The soul singer was one of two opening acts for the president at the $200-a-seat fundraiser, one of many around the Big Apple on Thursday, including a swanky fete at Spike Lee's house where the filmmaker and the president bonded over their love for the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Mariah Carey was one of the luminaries who dropped $35,800 on the ticket.

But back to that performance. Let's allow ourselves some hope for a minute: If President Obama isn't reelected on Nov. 6, perhaps he'll release an album of covers instead? After all, it is a Tuesday, the same day new music is released. Can we humbly suggest covering Etta James' "At Last"?

Time will only tell what will happen, but we've gotten word on what will show next week at the Apollo: Newt Gingrich sings the tunes of Neil Diamond.